Feature: Barbra Makes A Wish Come True...

I wanted to share this story with you all...



Meryl (aged 12) from Holland is a huge Barbra fan. She suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. Her one wish to meet Barbra came true last year after one of the London concerts in July 2007. This is another example of how Barbra doesn't need to publicize her charity work.

Support The Streisand Foundation

Barbra's Timeless Concert Outfit (From Act One) is for sale. All proceeds to benefit the Streisand Foundation.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BARBRAs-Timeless-Concert-Costume_W0QQitemZ280227791770QQihZ018QQcategoryZ104676QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Tidbit on forthcoming TV Special + DVD.

Dear BarbraNews Readers...

Here is a copy of Army Archerd's Blog from yesterday. We presume Army is talking about the 2006 US Tour, and not 2007 tour as he stated.

BarbraNews would like to congratulate Gary and Maxine Smith (and of course Jake!).

Army Archerd's Blog.

"While Jenna Bush was walking up the aisle at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas to wed Henry Hager, in the garden of the Beverly Hills hotel, Brett Kassan, backgrounded by the record of Barbra Streisand singing "Nothing's Going to Harm You," joined Jake Smith for their religious wedding ceremony. They said their vows under a magnificent flower-filled chupah and they were applauded by the 300-plus black-tied guests of the bride's parents Ronnie and Michael Kassan and Maxine and Gary Smith. Inside the hotel's Crystal Ballroom guests were again treated to the sight and scents of botanical gardens at each table.of the civilian and showbiz guests. The bride's father, Michael is a world-renowned media consultant, the groom's is honored showbiz producer, Gary Smith. The bride and groom work for Conde Nast and Ogilvie respectively in New York.

Guests included Barbra Streisand and husband James Brolin. She'd known the groom, Jake Smith and his twin brother and Best Man, Zack Smith since they were -- three weeks old!, Jim Brolin had just arrived from the location of "Nailed" in which he plays the Speaker of the House. Brolin's no strarnger to the territory having played President Ronald Reagan. And now, son Josh B. is readying to star in Oliver Stone's biopic of George W. Bush. "I didn't want to play Reagan," Jim Brolin admitted to me, adding Josh also had negative feelings about playing Bush. However Stone was able to entice him to his office where a few touches of makeup convinced him to play Bush.. "It was amazing," Brolin, pere, told me. P.S. he also said the script is strong.

Gary Smith is also completing work as producer-director on the DVD version of Barbra Streisand's cross-country 2007 concert tour. It will first air as a TV special in Nov. followed by the DVD... Guests also included several members of SHARE. Maxene Smith is the group's Chairman of the Board. Gary again produces the show (May 31 at the Santa Monica Civic with Clint Holmes performing). Gary is also completing segs for the 11th AFI "100 movies" series, this one, "The AFI's 10 Top 10," toasting Animation, Fantasy, Romantic Comedies, Sci-Fi, Westerns, Gangsters, Sports, Courtroom Drama. Mystery and Epics -- with cohosts to match the categories. It airs June 17 on CBS and is the first big special under the AFI's Presidentcy of Bob Gazzale."

Monday, May 12, 2008

Full Length Video of Ascap Awards

You can view the full length (unedited) video of Barbra's speech at the Ascap Awards from Tuesday night by clicking here.

Photos from March 1 Fundraiser.

BarbraNews is proud to have the rights to publish these two photographs, which were shot at Barbra's Malibu Home on March 1st. Photograph number 2 is shown online for the first time.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Barbra Streisand photographed at her home which served as the setting for an Eco-salon fundraiser for Waterkeeper Alliance on March 1st. On more than 170 waterways around the world, Waterkeepers are on patrol - standing up to polluters and enforcing everyone's right to clean water. Waterkeeper Alliance connects and supports these grassroots advocates and fights for clean water worldwide. www.waterkeeper.org

It is kindly asked that these photographs are not copied, or displayed on other websites at the request of the photo owner.




Photo 1: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr; Barbra Streisand; Andrea Lim (Lexus)

Photo 2: Steve Fleischli (Waterkeeper Alliance); Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.; Barbra Streisand; Tom Ford (Santa Monica Baykeeper)

Barbra Presents Award...

Barbra made a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (May 6), for the 2008 Ascap Film and Television Music Awards which were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. She presented the Founders Award to Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

The renowned songwriting duo, who have been married for 50 years and collaborated even longer, were honored with the ASCAP Founders' Award for their half-century of contributions to the Great American Songbook. Many of their songs have become standards, including "The Way We Were," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life," "The Windmills of Your Mind," "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "It Might Be You," "The Summer Knows" and many more.

The Bergmans have won three Oscars, three Emmys and a Grammy. Their many composer collaborators have included Michel Legrand, Dave Grusin, Quincy Jones, Marvin Hamlisch, Henry Mancini, John Williams, Elmer Bernstein and James Newton Howard.

Streisand appeared near the end of the 40-minute presentation following a film clip from The Way We Were that featured her vocal of the title song, one of the Bergmans' most memorable lyrics (with music by Marvin Hamlisch). Streisand recalled that she first met the team when she was 18 years old, adding that "they have been such an integral part of my life and career. Their words move me every time I sing them. Their gifts have enriched my life and all of our lives."

Barbra Will NOT Attend Israel Celebrations In Person.

Dear Craig,

Here is the confirmation regarding Barbra's cancellation of an Israel appearance.

Ms. Streisand, a devoted supporter of Israel since her earliest youth, very regrettably was compelled to advise President Peres' office two weeks ago that personal obligations would prevent her participation in Israel's 60th anniversary celebration. She celebrates as always the nation's courage and purpose and flourishing democracy and is saddened that she cannot be there to do so in person.

Best,
Dick Guttman

BARBRA STREISAND ENDOWS PROGRAM AT CEDARS-SINAI WOMEN’S HEART CENTER

BARBRA STREISAND ENDOWS PROGRAM AT CEDARS-SINAI WOMEN’S HEART CENTER



$5 million gift supports women’s cardiovascular research and education

LOS ANGELES (April 16, 2008) – A bold new resource for women’s heart health, The Barbra Streisand Women’s Cardiovascular Research and Education Program at Cedars-Sinai, has been created with a philanthropic gift of $5 million. The gift brings to nearly $16 million the money raised from her recent concert tours she has directed to charitable distribution in the areas of education, the environment, women’s health, and other key civic concerns.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women,” says Eduardo Marbán, MD, PhD, director at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. “It kills nearly 500,000 women in the U.S. each year, more than all cancers combined. The medical system has failed to recognize female-pattern heart attack symptoms; current testing and treatments are geared toward male physiology.”

Ms. Streisand, who has contributed to women’s health programs through the Streisand Foundation since 1986, explained: “Women need to be educated about female cardiovascular disease, and the medical community must be propelled toward change. Just like with breast cancer, the impetus must come from women themselves striving to become empowered to reduce their risks for heart disease.”

Streisand’s endowment will provide permanent funding for research and education at the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Heart Center, which will empower women with vital information about female cardiovascular disease and raise awareness of the disease within the medical community. It will expand current and future research efforts and create breakthrough diagnostics, treatments and technologies. It will facilitate better understanding of gender differences in heart disease, with the aim of improving treatment options for women at risk for, or suffering from heart disease.

Barbra Makes An Appearance At The 2008 Oscars... Kind of!

"A Tie?!" Barbra exclaimed last night in a pre-recorded segment for the 80th Annual Academy Awards, referring to her tie with Katharine Hepburn back in 1969 for Funny Girl. (Hepburn won for The Lion In Winter)

The increasingly self-effacing Streisand went on to say "There were five great performances... and I thought mine was pretty good. I wouldn't say great... But I thought, why don't they give us all plaques?". "Hello, Gorgeous! - It was great", Barbra concluded.

Barbra's last appearance at The Academy Awards was in 2005.

You can watch the short video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdwIlK7H6Qo

....where you'll see Streisand wearing probably one of the Greatest Outfits ever worn in Oscar History... Designed by Arnold Scaasi.

Craig Hall. BarbraNews.com
25 February 2008.

Barbra Makes First Appearance of 2008

Hillary Clinton Introduction by Barbra Streisand
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Regent Wing

Aren’t we fortunate? We have wonderful, accomplished candidates vying for the democratic nomination. But, for the first time in our country’s history, we not only have a woman, but a woman who is the most experienced candidate. Hillary Clinton dares to penetrate the powerful world of men, to challenge their policies and debate their ideas with her keen knowledge and qualifications. Throughout her many years as a public servant, Hillary has utilized every opportunity to make this country strong, safe and just. And, thankfully, we have now entered a time when people discuss the content of her ideas and not just the style of her hair. Today, young women throughout our country look at Hillary Clinton and realize that their potential has no limits. As the first First Lady to become a United States Senator, Hillary has already cracked the glass ceiling, and in November, she will shatter it.

Some people question the idea of a woman president. Perhaps that’s because our country is still young and we haven’t caught up to other places around the world where women are currently serving as Presidents or Prime Ministers…Argentina, Chile, Germany, Finland, India, Ireland, Liberia, The Philippines, New Zealand, Mozambique and the Ukraine.

With our nation in turmoil and so much at stake in this election, we need a leader who has been in the trenches for over 35 years advocating for the young, the old, the poor and the disenfranchised. As a woman and as a lawyer, Hillary played a pioneering role in raising awareness of issues like sexual harassment and equal pay. As the First Lady of Arkansas, she directed a task force to improve education. In the White House, Hillary led the fight to expand quality health care. She advocated globally for women's rights. She fought to increase funding for breast cancer research and to help our veterans suffering from Gulf War syndrome. As a Senator, she authored legislation to make prescription drugs more affordable and to increase America's commitment in fighting the HIV/AIDS crisis.

With grace and dignity, Hillary Clinton has proven she has the inner strength to persevere and withstand the grueling attacks that have been and will be heaped upon her. She will take us into the future with her dynamic leadership. Once again, America will experience a time of economic stability and fiscal responsibility…a time when America will again lead in technology and innovation…a time when Americans will be able to afford to buy a house and pay their mortgage... a time when millions of Americans will have new jobs working in green technology and alternative energy…a time when every man, woman and child in America will have health care coverage…and yes, a time when our country will once again be respected around the world.

When I introduced Hillary at the Aids Project LA Gala back in 1994, she had just finished her first year as First Lady. I had acknowledged during that speech the likelihood that someday Hillary Clinton would be sitting in the oval office. Now almost 15 years later, we no longer need to imagine it…that moment is here.

So it is with great pride that I introduce a friend and the next President of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Unofficial / Audience photo:

Dwight Hemion Passes

Click here to read an article by our friends at BroadwayWorld.com. He worked on many Streisand projects over the years.

Barbra in Jerusalem?

I've had a lot of emails sent him from fans from all over the world, asking if Barbra will make an appearance in Jerusalem later this year for the 60th anniversary conference of Independence. No official annoucement has been made -- as soon as we get official word -- we will post it here.

All About Barbra Issue 67 -- Coming Soon!

All About Barbra Magazine -- In publication since 1985, is about to release it's 67th issue. The magazine will be jam packed with Barbra news, interviews and more. Also in this issue: A special report on meeting Barbra Streisand in July of last year (including my own insights).

The magazine is offering some FANTASTIC prices on back issues. Go to www.allaboutbarbra.com for more.

New Audio Blog

Allison Waldman has sent her 2nd audio blog to BarbraNews.

Copy this into your browser: http://www.barbranews.com/25DecAlly.mp3

Thanks to Allison for doing this!!

New Audio 'Byte'.

Can You Hear Me? Can You Hear Me?

Allison J. Waldman

No, I don't need emotion. Well, yes I do, but that's not what I need right now. Right now, I need you're attention, dear Barbra buddies. The Barbra Byte is changing! Instead of reading what I have to say about Barbra -- those memories, insights and comments that hopefully amuse and inform you all -- the Barbra Byte from now on will be in live audio! Sort of like a podcast, the Barbra Byte will continue the tradition started here on BarbraNews.com a few short years ago -- thank you, Craig for the netspace -- only now you can hear me speaking directly to all of you.

I hope you enjoy this Barbra Byte, which I'm calling, "Be Aware" -- and check back soon for more audio Barbra Bytes. There will definitely be a new one in time for the New Year! Till then, happy holidays, everyone!

Put this address into your web browser, to hear the audio:
http://www.barbranews.com/allisonbyteaudio.mp3

Happy Days,
Allison J. Waldman

Barbra Inducted Into GRAMMY Hall Of Fame

The Recording Academy® announced the newest additions to its GRAMMY Hall Of Fame®, adding 70 recordings to a timeless list that now includes 798 titles. The Hall Of Fame serves as a celebration and reminder of the triumphs and achievements of the recording arts. Selections are drawn from all categories of music, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which The Recording Academy has become renowned.

Barbra is one of the artists to be included.

CORRECTION

I'd like to draw your attention to a correction in the Sally Kirkland Interview from 2002. We quoted Karen Swenson's 'The Second Decade' book, and said there was a story about Barbra throwing Sally Kirkland in the pool. Infact, the book describes how Barbra jumped in the pool – and taunted Sally to follow -- something which Sally, in retrospect, thought very impulsive and a very Juliet-like thing to do because it forced her to act maternal in response. We'd like to apologize for asking a question which was misleading to Ms. Kirkland.

Also – in the same interview, Sally described how Barbra is deaf in one ear. We can strongly deny this claim. To the contrary, Barbra has been tested to have nearly supersonic hearing.

BarbraNews does extensive research before interviewing – and I'd like to apologise for the lengthy delay in updating this. The Kirkland interview was one of my first -- and I'm sure you'll agree that the recent interviews (Jay Landers, Richard Jay-Alexander) are far more superior.

The interview will be updated very soon with the correct information.

A Barbra Love Story

Congratulations to Roddy and Sandy from The Barbra Streisand Message Board!!

They both met on the message board in May of this year -- and then met in person in Dublin (for Barbra's first Irish Concert). "They started over coffee... started out as friends!". They have been dating ever since -- and are due to move in with each other in Scotland!

Congratulations from myself -- and everyone at BarbraNews!!

The Barbra Streisand Wine Club

Click here (and then search Streisand)

Barbra Streisand Official Wine Club

Join the one and only Official BARBRA STREISAND Wine Club!

• NO membership fee!

• Club members receive two bottles of premium BARBRA STREISAND label wines every other month.

• Each shipment includes two bottles (one red/one white) from our boutique collection of wines.

• Wine varieties are carefully selected for you, and will differ for each club shipment (varieties include Cabernet, Chardonnay, Syrah and more…).

• Club members receive 15% off ALL Celebrity Cellars wines, including collectible etched bottles!! (Excludes Wine Clubs)

• Members also receive advance notice and exclusive access to pre-orders of special wine releases and etched wine collections!

• The cost is $59.50 (plus tax and shipping.) That’s a savings of over $10.00 per shipment, just for being a club member!

• By joining, you simply agree to accept the first three shipments. (Processed when your order is shipped every other month)

• NO additional costs or hidden charges!! After three shipments, your club order is automatically processed, unless you choose to cancel your membership.

• Pre-Order BARBRA STREISAND Wines Today!
 BARBRA STREISAND Special Collection wines have a GUARANTEED SHIP DATE of December 10th.

Image is a temporary illustration of the actual product.

$59.50

Click here -- and then search 'Streisand'

-or-

This is a unique, hand etched and painted collectible version of the now famous Streisand poster showcasing an elegant Barbra in the midst of performance and bathed in the spotlight.
The wine itself is a 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offering up subtle notes of cassis, black cherry, currants and chocolate. Very dark ruby-purple in color, it is a richly textured wine with ripe flavors of sweet cherry, plum and cassis. Slight earthy notes of tobacco, coffee and cedar combine with firm tannins and a subtle framework of oak to complete this delicious wine. Though enjoyable at present, this classic wine has the structure and intensity to improve with aging.

Barbra's Grammy Nomination

Barbra Streisand has garnered her 39th Grammy Nomination this morning -- as her 62nd album "Live In Concert 2006" was nominated in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category. The album was released on May 8th. Her last nomination was in 2003 for "The Movie Album".

Good luck Barbra!

Click here to order a copy of this album.

Barbra's Concert DVD Coming Soon

BarbraNews has been assured that Barbra's Live In Concert 2006 DVD will be released in the first quarter of 2008. Not long to wait. I'll have news on Track Listing + Cover Art soon.

Barbra Streisand Endorses Hillary Clinton

Legendary filmmaker, artist, and Democratic activist, Barbra Streisand, today endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. Streisand cited Clinton's ability to bring about change and the historic nature of her campaign as reasons why she is supporting Hillary's candidacy.

"Madame President of the United States...it's an extraordinary thought. We truly are in a momentous time, where a woman's potential has no limitations," said Streisand. "Hillary Clinton has already proven to a generation of women that there are no limits for success. She is driven by her passion for public service and her belief in the enormous potential of our country. Smart, capable and strong in her convictions, Hillary has transcended the dictates of what is thought to be possible for our time.

"Hillary is a powerful voice for change as we find our country at an important crossroads. Under her leadership, our country will regain its respect within the global community. She will prioritize issues of global climate change, universal healthcare and rebuilding a strong economy. After 8 long years, the public will once again have faith in their government.

"Another former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, 'In government, in business, and in the professions there may be a day when women will be looked upon as persons. We are, however, far from that day as yet.' More than 50 years later 'that day' is now upon us...and Hillary Clinton is ready to shatter through that glass ceiling for all women."

Streisand has been working on behalf of Democratic candidates for over forty years, performing at fundraisers and participating in campaign events. In addition, the Streisand Foundation has raised millions for causes including the environment, women's equality as well as human and civil rights and liberties.

"I'm honored to have Barbra's support," said Clinton. "Barbra has used her immense talent to be an advocate for truth, justice, and fairness and I deeply appreciate her confidence in my candidacy as we work together to change the direction of our nation."

Barbra Streisand is a singer, theatre and film actress, composer, film producer and director. She has won Oscars for Best Actress and Best Original Song as well as multiple Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. She is considered one of the most commercially and critically successful female entertainers in modern history.

Barbra Performs In Vegas.

Barbra Streisand performed in the Theatre of Performing Arts in the Casino and Earth Wind and Fire during the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Gala Grand opening on last night (Saturday), in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was an exact year ago, to the week -- that Barbra performed at the MGM Grand in Vegas, as part of her recording breaking 2006 US/Canada Tour.

Barbra performed 9 songs in total -- all taken from her 2006 / 2007 set lists -- including The Way We Were, Come Rain Or Come Shine, Funny Girl Medley (inc. My Man / Funny Girl) and Evergreen.

The previous night, Barbra attended a show -- here is a report sent into BarbraNews:

Last night, Barbra attended the 10pm performace of Cirque du Soleil's The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage. Her party included Jim, Marty Hom, Richard Jay Alexander, Jay Landers, Renata (so super nice! I wasn't expecting her to have an accent, where is she from?), and a woman named Kendall. I had the priviledge of meeting her car and walking the group to their seats! It was amazing!

She was so much taller than I had expected. Sweet, polite, interested, and excited are all words I would use to describe her demenor. She had absolutley no makeup on and looked fabulous. Everyone was commenting on how fantastic she looked. (And I know this is weird, but she smelled great too!!) I think she could tell I was nervous, because as she was walking next to me, she but her arm around my shoulder and said "thanks for assisting us cutie!". I almost died.

I brought her a small bottle of Pellegrino, which she enjoyed. She travels with a super cute boy named John. He is her security for the past 3 years. It's all still super surreal. After the show, she stopped to take a few pictures with cast members. She couldn't stop raving about how much she loved LOVE!

More coming soon.




In this photo provided by Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, celebrities meet with Barbra Streisand following her private performance for the grand opening of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. Pictured, back row left to right, Sylvester Stallone, James Brolin, Tracey Edmonds, Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Spacey, Ashton Kutcher. Front row left to right, Rhea Perman, Danny DeVito, Barbra Streisand, and Demi Moore.

Josh Brolin on Step Mom, Streisand.

Josh Brolin talks about his relationship with Barbra -- his stepmom.

...I have a wonderful relationship with her. It’s a very friendly one. She’s a very curious soul. She asks a lot of questions. She’s very interested in people. When you’re given the gift that she has, I can’t imagine that you’re treated humanly very often. It’s always, “This” instead of “Just this.” She’s a wonderful lady. I am happy for both of them (Barbra and father)."

Exclusive Streisand Photos In New Book

Book Description
Schapiro’s Heroes brings together an extraordinary collection of stories in photo-journalistic tradition of people who have shaped our lives, our politics, and our tastes by the celebrated documentarian Steve Schapiro. In behind-the-scenes photographs, we visit the young Muhammad Ali and his Monopoly set, followed everywhere by the neighborhood kids; glimpse the warm family life and campaign of Robert Kennedy, who was so suddenly struck down; see Andy Warhol in photographs never before published; watch Ray Charles perform; visit the set with Samuel Beckett; and march alongside Martin Luther King Jr. One of the most respected American documentary photographers, Steve Schapiro has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His heroes are the iconic men and women who have influenced the political and cultural climate of our times. Schapiro’s Heroes is a rare and intimate glimpse of a major period of American history, photographed during the golden age of photojournalism by one of the major talents of the late twentieth century.

About the Author
Steve Schapiro has photographed cover stories for most of the world’s most prominent magazines, including Life, Look, Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, People, and Paris Match. He photographed on set for The Godfather, Midnight Cowboy, Taxi Driver, and Chinatown. His work is in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Institute. His previous book, American Edge (Arena, 2000), was recognized for excellence by The Los Angeles Times, Newsday, and other publications. Schapiro is represented by Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles. David Friend, Vanity Fair’s editor of creative development and formerly Life’s director of photography, is the author of Watching the World Change: The Stories Behind the Images of 9/11 (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006).

Click here to order

Barbra Lends Support to Fire Victims

Super-investor Ron Burkle hosted an event at his historic Beverly Hills estate.
By Tina Daunt, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
November 9, 2007

The billionaire hosted the gathering, an intimate affair with a small group of his richest and most famous friends -- the kind of people you can count on in a crisis.

There was a former president, a princess, a diva, a rock star, a famous local quarterback and the one-time king of the NBA court.

They began arriving around 4 p.m. Saturday at super-investor Ron Burkle's historic Beverly Hills estate, Green Acres. The cause that brought them together was a serious one and a little closer to home than most: the wildfires that swept through Southern California, leaving thousands of people homeless and in need. Burkle and company wanted to lend a hand.

The guests, about 50 in all, were greeted by a doorman and guided down a windowed hallway to Burkle's living room, ball-room-sized with paneled walls, plush couches and bright David Hockney paintings. The California Highway Patrol's dignitary detail kept watch near the main gate outside.

This was about as exclusive as a Hollywood get-together gets -- power, money, talent with a focus.

Former President Bill Clinton, the guest of honor, worked his way through the crowd, shaking hands and giving out hugs to people who have become old friends. Barbra Streisand, wearing a black beret, took a seat on the couch.

Laker legend Magic Johnson, towering over everyone else, mingled in the back. Anthony Kiedis, the lead singer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, stood next to his girlfriend as she rocked their newborn baby.

One-time USC quarterback Rodney Peete was there, as was a Saudi princess, who arrived with socialite Daphna Ziman.

There was casual conversation for about half an hour, then onto the raison d'être: raising money to help those who had lost everything in the fire. Clinton took center stage.

"Because of the nature of a disaster of this magnitude, there will be significant gaps in assistance," he told the group. "Even people with insurance will be in need."

In recent weeks, a number of celebs have stepped forward to help. Pop star Gwen Stefani donated ticket proceeds from her recent San Diego show to fire victims.

Members of the Eagles donated $50,000 to firefighters, as did members of the local superstar band Linkin Park. Madonna, Green Day and others have donated autographed items to be auctioned on EBay. (www).

Clinton, who was making a sweep through town on behalf of his wife's presidential campaign, told the crowd at Burkle's house that "we didn't feel right about coming out [to Southern California] without doing something to help those who have been hurt" by the disaster.

He read from an article offering suggestions on preventing wildfires. One recommendation: put the electrical lines underground, Clinton told the crowd. (Streisand, a longtime resident of Malibu, responded with a resounding "yes!")

By 5:30 p.m, the Burkle event was wrapping up. Nearly $300,000 had been raised for the San Diego Foundation, a group that has been assisting fire victims for years.

"They need help in repairing their lives and getting back to some sense of normalcy," said Johnson, a longtime friend of the Clintons. (He recently had a fundraiser for Hillary at his Beverly Park home that brought in more than $500,000 for the senator's presidential campaign and rallied black support in Hollywood.)

As Johnson spoke, Clinton came up behind him and tapped him on the arm. They embraced, and the former president said, "I love you, man. I'll never forget what you did for her."

Johnson caught his breath as the former president walked away.

"Hillary is great," Johnson said. "She's a leader and the smartest person in this race."

And with that, Johnson sighed. "I've got to go. Cookie [Johnson's wife] is waiting for me."

Barbra To Perform In Vegas On November 17

Barbra will be part of the opening celebrations for the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas on November 17th 2007. The event will be invitation only.

Source: Variety.

Streisand: Live In Concert DVD -- coming 2008

BarbraNews has the scoop on the Live DVD from 2006. It will be released in early 2008 -- probably February. The DVD was filmed in Florida in October 2006.

Cover art and pre-order link coming soon.

Barbra reads 'Celebrity Detox'

From Rosie O'Donnell's Official Blog.

Have you heard from Barbra S. about Celeb. Detox–wondering what she thought of it.

Rosie:
she loved it
she wrote me a note

Click here to order the book.

All profits from the book go to Rosie's Broadway Kids.

Barbra is Safe

Barbra's publicist confirmed to BarbraNews that Barbra's house is indeed safe, despite the forest fires.

He told us... "The fire's are about four miles away. All of us here on the west side of Malibu got lucky with the winds".

Rosie Talks About Barbra... Again!

I wanted to draw your attention to Rosie O'Donnell's new book. It contains many chapters on Streisand.

Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always brutally honest, this is Rosie O'Donnell's surprising account of the pain, regret, and euphoria involved in withdrawing from celebrity life--and the terrifying dangers of relapsing into the spotlight. Celebrity Detox is Rosie's story of the years after she walked away from her top-rated TV show in 2002, and her reasons for going back on the air in 2006. In it, she takes you inside the world of talk-show TV, speaking candidly about the conflicts and challenges she faced as cohost on ABC's The View. Along the way Rosie shows us how fame becomes addiction and explores whether or not it's possible for an addict to safely, and sanely, return to the spotlight. Chronicling the ups and downs of "the fame game," Rosie O'Donnell illuminates not only what it's like to be a celebrity, but also what it's like to be a mother, a daughter, a leader, a friend, a sister, a wife...in short, a human being.



Click to order this book.

Barbra Recovers

Barbra's Publicist has confirmed to BarbraNews that Barbra had a slight accident last week in her garden which required stitches in her leg. She had the stitches removed this week.

We'd like to wish Barbra the fastest recovery.

Peres hopes Streisand will reign over 60th anniversary parade

President Shimon Peres, who is a personal friend and great fan of celebrated singer Barbra Streisand, hopes to persuade her to come to Israel for the country's 60th anniversary celebrations in May 2008.

Peres shared this information with members of the UJC (United Jewish Communities) Prime Minister's Council Mission, whom he hosted to dinner at his official residence last week.

Peres said that he had heard many cantors, but none who could sing 'Avinu Malkeinu' like Streisand.

Peres said that he would like to bring her to Israel within the framework of one of the keynote 60th anniversary events, an international conference with the participation of "United States representatives of the highest level" along with some 3,000 to 4,000 invited guests from abroad.

The conference, which opens in Jerusalem on May 13, will be a three-day convention, with the first day devoted to the future of the world, the second day to the future of the nation and the third day to the future relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.

Peres revealed that part of the conference would be devoted to a special tribute to the United States of America as an expression of appreciation for its consistent support of Israel. "After sixty years, it's time to say thanks for being on our side," said Peres.

The Way We Were (Special Edition DVD) only $4.99!

Amazon are selling The Way We Were Special Edition DVD for only $4.99.

DVD features
The Way We Were: A Look Back is a terrific retrospective documentary, running just over an hour. Although Robert Redford's absence (due to scheduling conflicts) is conspicuous, fans of The Way We Were will celebrate the rare appearance of Barbra Streisand in a lengthy interview. The notoriously reticent star appears relaxed, cordial, and eager to share stories about the film she considers "a highlight of my career," and her comments about the film are eloquent, heartfelt, and astute. Most important among her observations is her disappointment in the loss of crucial scenes that would have better explained the final separation of her character and Redford's, not due to infidelity but due to the harsh political climate of the blacklist era in Hollywood that made their relationship so volatile.

Director Sydney Pollack explains why the cuts were made after the film was publicly previewed, and both his viewpoint and Streisand's are equally justified. The edited scenes are included here, and the documentary also features wonderful interviews and anecdotes from screenwriter Arthur Laurents, songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and composer Marvin Hamlisch. --Jeff Shannon

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Going... Going... Gone.

Barbra helps to raise $1,900 in exclusive auction to benefit BC/EFA. Here is an email I received from executive director Tom Viola:

Hi, Craig: This is how the "lot" was listed in the Grand Auction brochure of the 21st Annual The Broadway Flea Market.

The bidding started at $200 and moved along very quickly amongst a number of folks until about $1,500 when it really came down to 2 people - each determined to win - ending with a $1,900 winning bid - which was the highest bid of the day for any item(s) signed by one individual star. The "Pearl Earring" canvas by Steve Shapiro and included in this lot by Scott Alexander in Marty Erlichman's office is gorgeous.

Much thanks to Richard Jay-Alexander who directed Barbra's European tour and very generously asked Barbra to sign the materials - and, of course, to Barbra for all her enthusiastic and generous support of BC/EFA on-going efforts.

Whenever Barbra sends BC/EFA something as special as this "lot' - which she has done a number of times - I get a kick out seeing all of that and of the memory of listening to the album of STONEY END endlessly as a 16 year old kid in Pittsburgh. (Yes, and I do now have the CD and still listen to it and much more.)

Tom Viola
Executive Director